U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank Announces New Manufacturing Council Members

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blankannounced the appointment of 26 members to the 2013 Manufacturing Council. The Council, established in 2004 and directed by the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, helps to ensure that there is regular communication between the U.S. government and the manufacturing sector.

The Council is comprised of up to 30 members that represent a diverse cross section of the manufacturing industry, including steel, textile, semiconductor, and medical manufacturers. Their products support a wide range of industries such as the auto, apparel, aerospace, and energy efficiency sectors. Dr. Albert M. Green, CEO of Kent Displays, is among the leaders appointed ot the council.

“Keeping our manufacturing sector strong is critical to job growth in the United States,” Blank said. “The Department of Commerce is focused on supporting U.S. manufacturers as they build things here, so they can sell them everywhere. The Council has an important role to play in shaping the direction of our nation’s manufacturing strategy and supporting American businesses and workers.”

“The U.S. economy depends on a strong manufacturing sector,” said Mike Laszkiewicz, vice president and general manager of Rockwell Automation, and newly appointed chair of the Council. “I am pleased to chair this important committee. I look forward to working with the Department of Commerce and presenting the U.S. government with new suggestions to strengthen American manufacturing and global competitiveness.”

The Council advises the Secretary of Commerce on government policies and programs that affect U.S. manufacturing and provides a forum for proposing solutions to industry-related problems. The Council also works to ensure that the United States remains the preeminent destination for investment in manufacturing throughout the world.